Michael Christensen, PE, CM

Mike Christensen was appointed deputy executive director, facilities maintenance and utilities group, at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) in 2017. He was subsequently promoted to chief operations and maintenance officer in 2021, and in August 2024 was appointed chief airport development officer. He is a former elected member of the Redondo Beach USD board of education, an avid snow skier, and enjoys spending time on a trout stream with his wife, kids, and grandkids.

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Panel discussion: Runway to airport modernization – overcoming challenges and embracing the future

The panel will discuss the major challenges airports face as global air travel steadily returns to pre-pandemic levels while the airport industry faces significant operational and infrastructural challenges. We will touch on deploying large capital programs that have to balance the critical need to replace aging legacy assets that are at end of life and capacity and address the need to expand infrastructure and develop data and systems to enable effective management, while minimizing operational impact and harnessing digital ecosystems and data to drive B2C business models and revitalize the passenger experience.

The audience will learn:

• Methods to effectively modernize capital planning and asset management for airport programs
• Key areas of focus to organize systems and data to accelerate capital deployment and asset renewal
• Options to utilize digital transformation to transform passenger experience
• Deployment of effective oversight and governance to drive infrastructure and passenger outcomes

Panel discussion: Airport infrastructure – everything old is new again!

In an airport asset renewal program operational readiness is essential to ensure minimal disruption, operational continuity and stakeholder alignment during the replacement or upgrade of critical infrastructure. ORAT teams focus on meticulously planning and executing the transition phases, validating operational performance and preparing personnel for the new systems or facilities. This structured approach reduces risks associated with phasing, maintains passenger experience and ensures that existing operations are seamlessly integrated with new assets. ORAT's emphasis on communication and training enables airport staff to adapt efficiently, promoting a smooth handover and sustainable long-term operations.

The audience will learn:

• Minimize disruption: best practices to ensure seamless transitions, reducing operational impact during asset upgrades or facility renewals
• Operational continuity: focus on maintaining uninterrupted airport operations while integrating new systems or infrastructure
• Risk management: identify and mitigate risks associated with complex asset renewal projects, ensuring safety and efficiency
• Stakeholder engagement: coordinate communication among diverse stakeholders to align expectations and maintain project transparency
• Training and adaptation: prepare staff for new processes and technologies, enabling efficient adaptation and sustained operational excellence